DR Congo urged to peacefully resolve electoral disputes

A man casts his ballot in Kinshasa during the 2006 elections. The people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo went to the polls for the first time in 2006 and voting was largely peaceful.

People in the Democratic Republic of the Congo have been urged to refrain from using force to settle disputes over the results of parliamentary elections.

The call has come from MONUSCO, the UN Mission in the country, following the announcement of the election results last Friday.

The main opposition in the DR Congo has reportedly said the elections, held in November last year, were rigged.

MONUSCO is urging all political actors to remain calm.

UN spokesman Martin Nesirky has more.

"The Mission is encouraging all candidates and political actors to use the legally prescribed channels for the resolution of disputes and to refrain from the use of force or violence. The Mission also encourages the Supreme Court of Justice, which has jurisdiction over electoral disputes, to examine with due diligence any and all disputes referred to it with a view to contributing to a peaceful political climate and the strengthening of the rule of law."